todays effort, putting gemsetterchris' advice to use.

[sam.k]

so here we go, I attempted to do what Chris (and others) have advised, rather then having bent claws to hold my stone I have done it the 'right' way.
it was pretty tricky but I think it turned out ok for my first attempt at a new technique.
please let me know what you think, and yes, I know, its a ring... again.





so where have I gone wrong? have I gone wrong at all? I have not got any burrs or such stuff so it was all done with needle nose files.
the ring still needs a final polish.

[Gemsetterchris]

Looks good from here much neater from the top view don`t you think?

Sometimes you might need to drill out some of the bezel with a ball burr so that stones girdle sits level & lower (doesn`t look like you could on that one though).
File & rubber wheel are fine to use, just try keeping the claws identical & evenly spaced on the stone (you can often use the facets to help with that).

[sam.k]

I was very concerned about the prongs not being long enough right up to the end. Then everything just sort of clicked together. It does have a much neater look about it. Looks like I've got a bit of reworking to do on some of my past pieces.

[Gemsetterchris]

If you are unsure, you can leave them a fraction long & cut & file once pushed up to the stone.
I'd leave your originals for something to look back on & see your progress.

You don`t have to always do things the same way, in fact the more methods you know of doing the same job the better...

[enigma]

Looking good!
And yes, I felt the same about it being too short too although having said that I have done one too short and had to redo…
Its why I like the cup burr for finishing as unless the stone is really soft you can do finish the prongs with them in place before the final tightening- that may not be correct though...

[Gemsetterchris]

If you start learning hand engraving they always advise learning the traditional rules.
Then you can bend/break them if you know it works.
I guess that's a good plan for most things.

The great thing about setting your own creations is that you`ll quickly see how you "could of" made things just abit different to make the setting part easier, & setting not quite right jobs will tune up your problem solving.
That`s why there is traditional conflict between mounters & setters in the trade.

[sam.k]

All shiny and done
https://www.instagram.com/p/BBDhlwWqs9B/
I can't believe just how well this one turned out, it may not be quite up to your guys standard but I've seen worse things in jewlers Windows.

[enigma]

Oh, Chris' standard is way above mine lol
Your finish is really improving too

[Patstone]

Well done Sam, that looks really good.

[Tabby66]

Can see real improvement there Sam......keep at it!!